The Turkish air force has selected a proposal from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to upgrade seven Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. The deal will cost Turkey about $8 million.
IAI was selected over long-time Israeli upgrade rival Elbit Systems. The fierce competition between the two drove down the price from an initial starting point of around $20 million. The contract has yet to be signed.
The IAI proposal is based on its modular avionics modernisation package for C-130s and other tactical transports, developed by its Lahav division. The avionics package includes a mission computer, colour multi-function displays and advanced software.
The package was designed to allow C-130s to better perform tactical missions while meeting the global air traffic management requirements.
Israel may offer China other defence and aerospace systems in compensation for the cancelled Phalcon airborne early warning aircraft deal. The possibility was raised during meetings in Beijing earlier this month between the Israeli director general, ministry of defence, and Chinese officials. The meeting was held to resolve the problem created by last years cancellation of the programme by the Israeli Government under pressure from the USA.China had paid $200 million for the first Phalcon system when was cancelled. Since then, the Iluyshin IL-76, in which the Elta Systems AEW system was supposed to be installed, has been parked on the tarmac at Israel Aircraft Industries facilities in Ben-Gurion international airport. The Chinese have so far not asked for the money or for compensation.
IAI says that any compensation should be paid by the Israeli Government. The latest MoD offer is not supported by IAI. The company continues to hope that China may ask the USA to reconsider given the warming of ties.
Source: Flight International
